Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Enid, Tally, and Cammie are all smiling into their cards and the guys are all staring as I pull myself out of Mac’s orbit.
“Thanks, Fee. You’re the best.”
“No problem.” I chug my cola and hiccup when the bubbles hit too hard.
“Have you hooked up with Kelsey before?” Gage asks.
Mac gives him a look. “No, dude. We have a class together.”
“Does she sit in your lap during class?” Brody plays an ace.
Mac flips his middle finger up and blows Brody a kiss.
“It’s a legit question. I’ve never seen anyone play chair better than you,” Gage needles.
“She’s just being friendly,” Mac says defensively.
“By that logic, I should sit in your lap every time I say hi to you, Mac.” Cammie side-eyes Chase.
He stiffens beside her.
“I’m making a point.” She pats his arm.
“You could make it differently,” Chase grumbles.
“I rest my case.” Cammie grins.
Enid coughs into her drink.
Tally and Brody snicker.
“I thought you all wanted to play the game. Why are you giving me such a hard time? It’s not my fault I’m a nice guy,” Mac replies.
“You’re right,” I agree. “It’s not your fault you’re a nice guy.”
“See? Fee is on my side.” He holds out his closed fist.
I give him a bump, because I can’t leave him hanging, and he can’t know that I’m crying on the inside.
“She’s also looking at your cards,” Gage offers.
Mac folds his hands protectively around them and tsks. “Bad girl.”
The table goes silent for a beat until Cammie cough-chokes on her drink.
I’ll be your bad girl any time I think, but don’t say.
The thing about Mac is that no girl has ever confirmed sleeping with him or doing anything beyond kissing. Anyone he’s ever dated—however briefly—has remained suspiciously quiet about what does or doesn’t happen behind closed doors.
Which obviously just adds to the mystery that is Mac Meyers. Tilton Hockey star. Epically hot, and literally the nicest guy I know. It’s better that we’re buds. I have no interest (mostly) in dating someone inside my friend group. Besides, he’s in his final year and I’m in my third. It’s a terrible idea to get involved, especially with someone who might end up on the other side of the country next year if he secures a pro hockey contract, or even if he plays for a farm team.
Chase and Cammie might be couple goals, but the chance that more than one of us in our friend group could end up in a lasting relationship is tragically low. Better to stay friends than make things awkward when someone decides it’s not the right fit.
Half an hour and two more interruptions later, we end the game. I have an early class and can’t afford to be tired. I excuse myself to the bathroom before we leave, and when I come back, Mac’s hands are on his hips and his dimple is tucked away behind a frown.
“What’s going on?”
“My hoodie is gone!”
“You were literally just wearing it.” I would’ve noticed if he wasn’t because his forearms are an absolute delight.
“I hung it on the newel post. I was going to take it to my room after I said bye to you guys.” He motions to the empty post with both hands. “But it vanished.”
“That’s like what, the fifth one?” Brody’s lip twitches.
The sixth. At least that I know of.
“I don’t know, but that one was my favorite!”
“That’s what you get for being everyone’s number-one fantasy,” Chase teases.
“It’s not funny, man. I love that hoodie. I’ve had it since high school. It’s irreplaceable.” He runs a hand through his hair.
“I’m sorry, Mac.” I mean it, too. I would hate to lose my favorite hoodie. My parents bought us all matching ones on our last vacation together. I try to only wear it at home, and only once a week to preserve it. I’ve already had to perform light surgery on the right cuff. Callie’s grown out of hers, so she has our mom’s now, and I have our dad’s. For a while they smelled like them, but that’s faded, and now they’re just a reminder of what we had and lost.
“It’s not your fault.” He reaches for me and I brace for impact.
This is my favorite part of the night. Mac is a great hugger. His arms circle my waist and mine link behind his neck. He lifts me off my feet. I can’t help it; I giggle and then he squeezes and it turns into a wheeze reminiscent to a squeaky toy. I huff his aftershave for a second and imagine what it would be like if he didn’t let me go. If he held me like this all night long, preferably shirtless.
And then he sets me back on my feet and pats my back, not quite like I’m one of his bros, but still. Then he hugs Enid, and Cammie, and chest bumps Chase, so the special feeling melts away like a snowfall in April.